The Chief Electoral Officer for Nunavut today cancelled the October 27 election for the Member of the Legislative Assembly for the constituency of Akulliq. A by-election will be called at a later date.

The cancellation was required by the Nunavut Elections Act because of an appeal made by Jack Anawak against the rejection of his candidacy by Elections Nunavut. On September 26, after referral by the Returning Officer, the Chief Electoral Officer ruled that Jack Anawak was not a resident of Nunavut for the past 12 months. He therefore did not meet the residency requirements under the law to be a candidate. Mr. Anawak appealed that ruling to the Nunavut Court of Justice.

The Court released its preliminary decision today confirming that Elections Nunavut was correct and that Mr. Anawak was not a resident of Nunavut for the last 12 months. The appeal will resume next week to hear arguments on whether the election rules on residency in the Act are unconstitutional.